This Japanese noodle soup recipe is easy to make and hearty enough to make a meal
Scallions and fresh ginger spice the broth, while carrots, mushrooms, and noodles make a hearty base in this Japanese Vegetable Noodle Soup recipe. Your little chef will love squeezing lime juice into this flavorful soup, served alongside orange slices.
Ingredients for Japanese Vegetable Noodle Soup
64 ounces low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 1-inch piece fresh ginger
2 cups bok choy, sliced, or 2 cups Napa cabbage, sliced
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
2 carrots, sliced on the diagonal
8 16-ounce extra-firm tofu, drained and cubed
6 ounces ramen noodles, flavor packet discarded
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 lime, juiced
1/4 cup cilantro, mint or basil, chopped
6 oranges, cut into wedges, for serving
Method:
1. Adult: Place the broth, soy sauce, and ginger in a large pot over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.
2. Together: Add the cabbage or bok choy, mushrooms, carrots, and tofu, stirring after each addition. Cook for about 2 minutes.
3. Together: Add the ramen noodles, taking care to discard the flavor packet. Reduce heat and keep the soup at a low boil. Keep at a low boil for 3 minutes more, or until the ramen is just cooked.
4. Kid: Add the scallions, lime juice, and fresh herbs to the pot. Cook for about 1 minute more, or until all the ingredients are heated through.
5. Together: Divide the soup into 6 bowls, place on plates with the orange wedges, and enjoy!
Fantastic feasts! These San Francisco restaurants offer take-out and dine-in Thanksgiving dinner for a stress-free Thanksgiving Day
Treat yourself and your family to a Thanksgiving without the stress or fuss this year by pre-ordering your turkey dinner to devour at home or skip the dishes all together and dine at one of our favorite Bay Area’s restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day. With either plan, you can relax, put your feet up, and actually have a chance to watch the Macy’s 96th annual parade (there’s a rumor that Bluey plans to make an appearance this year). These are our favorite to-go, delivery, and restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinners in the Bay Area. And once you’ve decided where and what to eat, don’t forget to make a plan to buy your Christmas tree, check out all the holiday light displays happening around San Francisco as well as see how many nearby holiday bucket list events you can check off this year.
In addition to takeout options for Thanksgiving (available for pick-up on Nov. 23 and costs $79/person—more information below), One Market will also be offering a four-course sit-down Thanksgiving dinner. The menu features traditional dishes, like a roasted Diestel turkey, but for non-turkey lovers—they also offer pork, salmon, and vegetarian options.
Chef Michael Mina and his culinary team introduce a very special dinner buffet from International Smoke. Available options include chilled shellfish, a carving station complete with cedar smoked salmon, turkey with cranberry sauce, and Wagyu prime rib, savory sides and sweet desserts—including Ayesha’s bread pudding.
A French Vietnamese restaurant, Le Colonial's menu includes (among many other tasty options!) a clay pot caramel organic turkey with sides of roasted beets, caramelized white pumpkin, and fresh turmeric mashed potatoes. Groups of four or more will be served family-style.
Enjoy Thanksgiving this year with fantastic views of the bay! Options include a cup of clam chowder, house salad, roasted turkey breast, gravy, house made stuffing, mashed potatoes, veggies, cranberry chutney and pumpkin pie a la mode.
Enjoy a three-course traditional Thanksgiving dinner served all day alongside all of The Stinking Rose's regular menu selections. This Thanksgiving, try the Bagna Calda—garlic cloves oven roasted in extra virgin olive oil & butter with a hint of anchovies.
Feast your eyes on this three-course farm to table menu featuring organic turkey and all the sides. Your family will have a choice of inside or outside dining in a heated and covered parklet.
Looking for a unique way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year? Dine with live music this Thanksgiving while you enjoy Zingari Ristorante's three-course menu. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan selections are available. Pro Tip: book the piano room. It costs an additional $45, but your kiddos will love the live music.
This Thanksgiving, why not enjoy a meal near the Pacific Ocean? Park Chalet offers a 3-course prix fixe meal for adults and a two-course version for children. Start with oysters or fried calamari before moving on to butternut squash soup or radicchio endive salad. And then comes the main event. Choose between roasted turkey with all the fixings, pan seared seabass with stuffing, potatoes, root vegetables and cranberry sauce, or farro risotto.
Want a rock and roll Thanksgiving this year? The legendary Hard Rock Café can give you and your family something to dance about. The menu includes low-roasted turkey breast, roasted fresh vegetables, home-style classic stuffing, creamy sweet potato mash, cranberry sauce, and traditional turkey gravy. A Kids' Thanksgiving Menu is also available, as is pumpkin pie. After dinner, take in the views and explore Pier 39.
Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in the South Bay & Peninsula
Porta Blu Restaurant at Hotel NIA
This fun buffet-style thanksgiving lunch features signature staples like a roasted turkey carvery, traditional sides and decadent desserts, but it also offers cheese and charcuterie plates, a "bruschetta bar" and live jazz from The Charged Particles jazz band.
Cost: $110/person; $85/kid (12-18); $65/kids (6-11); kids under 6 eat for free
Inspired by the season’s best produce, the talented chefs at Quattro Restaurant & Bar offer a meal to be thankful for, in addition to takeout options detailed below, they're offering in-person dining. On the menu is a roasted leg of lamb carving station, cold appetizer buffet, hand crafted charcuterie, buttermilk brined turkey, ash-crusted beef tenderloin, smoked salmon and more! If you have room, enjoy a decadent dessert buffet by Pastry Chef Guillermo Soto.
There is a turkey option, but why not opt for a bone-in ribeye or a petite filet mignon this year! With a full holiday menu, complete with lobster bisque, mashed potatoes, green beans with apricots and onions, and cinnamon orange cranberry sauce—your family is sure to be satisfied. The children's menu is similar to the adults with additions like a cheese and cracker appetizer and a mac and cheese main course.
Get ready for a traditional holiday feast for the entire family. The Macaroni Grill offers three-courses, including turkey, all the usual trimmings, and desserts like pumpkin cannoli, traditional cannoli, and pumpkin tiramisu.
The sister restaurant to Beach Chalet, this East Bay eatery features a delicious three-course turkey dinner and other temptations such as pan seared sea bass and farro risotto.
Cost: Menu is a la carte or 3-course prix-fix $85/person; $37.50/kid
Celebrate a vegan Thanksgiving Day feast with seitan country fried steak with lots of 100% plant-based sides! Souley vegan's Authentic Louisiana Creole Flavor is sure to be a hit for vegans and non-vegans alike! To-go options are also available!
For the first time since their opening, alley & vine will be offering dine-in Thanksgiving. The three-course menu is vegetarian-friendly with substitutions offered across the board, but the classic turkey entree will remain. If you're not into turkey, guests can alternatively order the Wild Alaskan Halibut. Seating will be available both indoors and outdoors.
While the Carneros Resort is offering Turkey To-Go meals, they’re also offering a thoughtfully designed (by Chef John Carney!) multi-course family-style Thanksgiving dinner featuring all the classics with produce straight from their culinary gardens.
Start with a bowl of clam chowder and a Ceasar salad before moving onto the main event—turkey breast with gravy, stuffing, cranberry relish, potatoes, veggies, and pumpkin pie.
This 4-course prix-fixe dinner includes butternut squash soup, Fuyu persimmon salad, and a traditional roasted turkey with mashed potatoes, stuffing, Brussel sprouts, candied yams, and orange cranberry relish. Or—if turkey isn’t to your liking, try the salmon with roasted root vegetables, the butternut squash and kale ravioli, or the grilled pork chop. All meals come with a choice of pumpkin or apple pie. Bonus: There’s a special kids menu, too, a 2-Course Prix Fix for $15.
Thanksgiving dinner with all of your favorite foods! Start your meal off with family style appetizers (spiced pecans and marinated olives). Enjoy butternut and sweet potato soup and a little gem wedge salad before moving on to your entrée. You’ll have a choice between roast turkey with traditional sides, or grilled salmon with melted leeks, Brussel sprouts, squash and wild mushrooms. Sweet dessert options include pumpkin pie, chocolate, cheesecake, and sorbet.
Cost: $78/person; $30/kid (12 and under)
120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. San Anselmo Online:insalatas.com
Where to Pre-Order Prepared Thanksgiving Dinner in San Francisco
Locale
Below are some of our favorite spots that are offering mouth-watering Thanksgiving-themed dinners for pre-order and pick-up across San Francisco. But if you can't commit to just one delicious spot and would rather get your favorite items a la carte like your favorite pie from that amazing bakery across town or your turkey from across the Bay? Enter Locale—the food delivery service that offers family-style meals, baked goods and more from local favorites like Bouchon Bakery and Frog Hollow Farms, along with a slew of other noteworthy restaurants, cafes and grocers. It’s like shopping from the best of the best, with one low delivery price of $5.
Good to Know: Products aren't restricted to your geographical area—you can get your favorites from across the nation too. Thanksgiving pre-orders are now open.
With a wide variety of raw birds, Luke’s Local offers a smoked (whole or half) turkey from Willie Bird Farms. And you can choose from a wide selection of sides. Some options are more traditional, like stuffing, candied yams and mashed potatoes, but other seasonal options include arugula salad with persimmon, candied walnuts and goat cheese or stuffed squash with quinoa and pepitas. Pies are also available. And whether you’re hosting or not, why not throw in a seasonal bouquet or holiday wreath?
Cost: Whole House-Smoked Willie Bird Turkey is $148
Scopo Divino offers a Thanksgiving dinner to go that will make your mouth water. Complete with herb-rubbed & roasted split turkey, Madeira gravy & cranberry sauce, deviled eggs, stuffing, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, autumn salad, and pumpkin pie with homemade chantilly cream. This meal serves 2-4 people and can be picked up on Nov. 23. And don’t forget to add some champagne and wine—award-winning Scopo Divino is one of the best wine bars in the city.
Cost: $130/person
2800 California St. Unit 101 San Francisco Online:scopodivino.com
Lily
This Thanksgiving, Lily is offering a three-course set menu. It features a choice of salad or soup, salt-baked Diestel turkey breast, confit turkey sweet potato hash, baby bok choy, shrimp and lap xuong fried rice, black truffle mushrooms jus, and scallion ginger relish. Personally, we can’t wait to try the “Change Your Life” Warm Pumpkin Pie. Pay ahead and pick up your meal at noon on Thanksgiving day.
Credo is offering Thanksgiving to-go for pick-up on Nov. 22 & 23. Your Thanksgiving Dinner Kit feeds a family of 6-8 people and includes the following: organic sous-vide turkey (14-16 lbs.), Yukon gold mashed potatoes, chestnut sage stuffing, balsamic roasted carrots, roasted forest mushrooms, classic Caesar salad, roasted turkey gravy, and cranberry orange sauce.
One Market is also offering a pick-up three-course Thanksgiving menu featuring a Pear & Arugula Salad, Roasted Willie Bird Turkey with cornbread-sausage stuffing (non-sausage version available), root vegetables and shallot-thyme gravy, along with a pumpkin tart with peach caramel. Pick up your meal on Nov. 23.
A-Five Meat Company, a distribution company that provides the finest cuts of wagyu to the world’s top chefs, is now available to the consumer at home. Order the new Wagyu Feast, which features 6 pieces of wagyu and wagyu ground beef and includes Kobe beef and the Sanuki Olive Fed A5 Grade for a turkey alternative with a group. The company also offers a Wagyu Sampler and Wagyu Essentials pack.
This boneless turkey breast dinner serves 2-5 people and comes with all the fixings: butter whipped potatoes, andouille cornbread dressing, green beans, biscuits, and cranberry compote. And to fill your kitchen with autumnal holiday aromas, add spiced wine or cider! Pick-up is on Nov. 23 for both locations.
Chef Matt Accarrino offers an Italian-inspired Thanksgiving feast in two packages—one for 3-4 people and the other for 6-8 people. Both packages include: roast turkey, black truffle gravy, root vegetable stuffing, insalata rossa, prosciutto, salumi & cheese with focaccia, baked crespelle, four side dishes and a choice of one pie.
Where to Pre-Order Prepared Thanksgiving Dinner in the East Bay
Pomella
Mica Talmor’s mains, sides and desserts, made with her distinctive Mediterranean and Eastern Europe influence, are returning for another Thanksgiving Day treat! Order a la carte from a special holiday menu that includes roasted turkey, mushroom “Bastilla,” Moroccan-style phyllo pie, Yukon gold and celeriac mashed potatoes, shaved Brussel sprouts with butternut squash and brandied cherries, house-made biscuits, sweet potato cheesecake with candied ginger, pecan-caramel bars, and more! And apple pie from Oakland-based baker Edith’s Pie will be available whole and by the slice. Order by Nov. 17 for pick-up on Nov. 22 or 23.
Pitmaster Matt Horn (best new chef, Food & Wine Magazine 2021) is at it again! This year, he offers smoked turkey ($150), whole smoked brisket ($250) or smoked beef rib slab (3 bones) ($120). Sides include mac & cheese, collard greens, and Granny’s potatoes. For dessert, try the banana pudding or the bread pudding. Pick-up is on Nov. 23.
This traditional Thanksgiving feast for a family of four to six is a steal at $80/person! The turkey with all the trimmings will be just as delicious as their famous pies and with a couple of locations around, there's one bound to be nearby.
229 Broadway Oakland Online: buttercupdiner.com
Montperi Caterers
Order Chef Lamont’s Thanksgiving specials for pick-up or delivery. This years menu includes a 15-18 lb. turkey ($200) or maple glazed ham ($70), and traditional sides in either small (6-8 servings, $40) or large (10-12 servings, $60). Think stuffing, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, cranberry sauce, Brussel sprouts and citrus green beans. For dessert, you have an option of pumpkin pie ($25) or apple cobbler ($35). Run, don’t walk—Montperi Caterers have limited availability.
Good to Know: Delivery is available throughout the Bay Area
This Thanksgiving, from the comfort of your home, savor a fully prepared meal by the chefs at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley. Each family-style menu includes butter-basted young turkey, Beechers cheddar whipped mashed potatoes, smashed yams, roasted squash, baby carrots and parsnips. Also included is a celeriac and roasted apple soup. Your choice of dessert includes pumpkin pie or white chocolate cheesecake with caramelized apples. Place your orders on the Hotel Website from Oct. 18 to Nov. 17. Pick-up at the hotel’s Quattro Restaurant & Bar on Nov. 24.
Cost: Meals for four are $450, for 6 is $550, and 8 is $650
This year, Manresa Bread features seasonal favorites made with house-milled flour: Panettone, Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Babka, Apple Pie, Butter Buns, Snack Tins, and more! Pre-order now for pick-up on Nov. 22 or Nov 23.
The entire menu is a la carte so feel free to create the Thanksgiving meal of your dreams. Think organic turkey (10-12 lb.: $125; 24-26 lb.: $265), traditional stuffing, Brussel sprouts with chestnuts, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, cranberry-orange relish and more! Place your orders by Nov. 20 for pick-up on Nov. 23.
Where to Order Prepared Thanksgiving Dinner in Marin County
Carneros Resort & Spa
Carneros Resort is offering Turkey To-Go meals for those that want to enjoy the deliciousness of FARM's award-winning culinary team within the comfort of their own home. The package features a Willy Bird organic grain-fed turkey with traditional sides, all featuring the abundant flavors of Napa Valley. It's $385 for 4-6 people. To order, email market@carnerosresort.com.
Thanksgiving at Insalata’s looks a little different this year, but we're sure it will be just as delicious. With large a la carte options for sides and desserts, there is no turkey this year, but there IS a turkey kit (how fun!), which includes herb butter, sage leaves, onion, lemons, oranges, thyme, and Chef Taylor’s instructional video. Your house will smell as delicious as your meal will taste! Cocktails for six adults and wines by the bottle are also available.
120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. San Anselmo Online:insalatas.com
More Spots to Order Prepared Thanksgiving Dinner throughout the Bay Area
Jessie & Laurent: Save your sanity and order up a gourmet meal from Jessie & Laurent this Thanksgiving. This San Rafael-based company has delivered delicious, chef-made meals to the Bay Area for nearly 40 years. Thanksgiving offerings from Jessie & Laurent include:
Traditional Whole Diestel Turkey Dinner for 4-6 people ($195) or 8-10 people ($395). Sides include classic stuffing with crimini and oyster mushrooms baked to a golden brown, creamy whipped potatoes, roasted Brussel sprouts w butternut squash, a winter chicory salad, some cranberry apple pear chutney, and last but not least—a large Amaretto pumpkin pie
A la carte options (like a whole cooked turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and homemade square ravioli) for those who want to do some cooking, but not all of it.
Local Artisan Cheese & Charcuterie Platter ($75)
Stuffed and Glazed Cornish Hens for two (with potatoes, roasted Brussel sprouts with butternut squash, gravy, cranberry apple pear chutney, a winter chicory salad, and a small Amaretto pumpkin pie! All for $110)
Whole Foods Market: Whether you want an entire Thanksgiving feast for 12, just sides, soups and sauces, or a vegan celebration, give Whole Foods a try. With options of a fully cooked or raw turkey and sides fully prepared or just the ingredients, they really do cater to everyone.
Omaha Steaks: Build the perfect Thanksgiving dinner at Omaha Steaks. With dinner packages for families or 4, 6 or 8, you can customize your holiday meal. Want a whole roasted turkey or a fully cooked prime rib roast? Why not try the turkey roulade or the the country ham? Available sides include everyone’s favorite green been casserole, creamed corn, garlic mashed potatoes, caramel apple tartlets, and more!
Williams Sonoma: Not only does Williams Sonoma offer beautiful cookware and dinnerware collections, they also offer a full Thanksgiving feast to be simply heated at home and served to your eager guests.
All aboard! For the ultimate train adventure, step aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train into an elegantly restored early 20th-century Pullman car for a taste of what premium class train travel was like in the early 1900s. During the weekends in April and May, Afternoon Tea service is offered for families (kids 10 and up)—read on for all the details on why the Napa Wine train is a truly unique, special occasion experience that your family will not soon forget!
History
In 1864, the railroad was built in order to take visitors arriving from San Francisco up to a resort in Calistoga. The Napa Wine train’s inaugural journey began in 1989 and has been a staple in Napa ever since with the railroad and train playing an integral part to Napa’s growth and development.
Scenery
The 36 mile round trip journey to St. Helena starts at the Napa train station and showcases exquisite wine country scenery (and the famous Napa sign!) as it rambles idyllically along Hwy 29 past 100+ vineyards. Of all the ways to enjoy Napa scenery with your family, the Napa Wine train really lets you sit back and relax… all without a designated driver.
The Experience
Check-in starts at the train station where a wine store, lounge and restrooms await. Boarding is by groups and done so via the Locks of Love Bridge, where a token of your love can be left with the collection. A professional photo is taken before boarding of which the digital copy is complimentary with physical copies available for purchase following the tour.
Stepping into the train car truly feels like time travel with rich mahogany panels coupled with tasteful brass accents engulfing the car. A champagne (or cider) toast sets the right tone and as the train pulls away, attentive staff offer four types of tea: Yunan black, earl grey, chamomile and rooibos.
First, a carrot ginger soup (quite possibly our favorite part of the meal—next to dessert, of course) was served followed by a beet salad. Finger sandwiches followed with the lobster vul-au-vent (fancy speak for a pastry shell filled with lobster) and radish and creme fraiche being favorites.
Cheese and grapes, macarons, bon-bons (how could there not be bon-bons on a train?) and other sweet treats finished the tea service by which time we were bursting at the seams. We also loved that periodically during the trip, narratives and insight is given by the staff regarding the history of certain wineries and interesting facts and tidbits we otherwise wouldn’t have known. This made it seem like a fun history lesson set in an actual piece of living history!
Good to know:
While the afternoon tea service is for the 10 and up crowd, othertours and experiencesare available with no minimum age. Seeing as two or three hours is a long time for anyone to sit still, parents of the younger set might want to bring some form of entertainment
Diaper changing is not permitted on board and children aren’t allowed to wander the cars
The Afternoon Tea service menu is not modifiable but we were told other tours can change their menus with advanced notice
The two types of seating are booths and plush armchairs and we recommend a booth because eating in an armchair seems like a recipe for spilling with kids
Tickets range from $245-$295/person which makes it great for a special occasion celebration
Sponsored by the Napa Valley Wine Train but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer
A quaint village nestled among rolling hills and vineyards. Miles of bike and hike trails along a gorgeous river. Nope, you’re not in the South of France: you’re in Washington, Missouri, and it just might be the hidden gem vacation your family is longing for. Read on to find out why we love this little spot in the heart of Missouri for an unexpected, sophisticated family vacation that won’t break the bank.
1. Katy Trail
The Katy Trail is a hike and bike trail created from 240-miles of the former path of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. It's known for being the country's longest rail-trail and includes 26 hiking trailheads and four fully restored railroad depots along the way. Bonus tip: Make your way to the section of trail located between Cooper County and St. Charles County, which has been designated as an official segment of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail!
2. Historic Downtown
Washington is home to a lively Historic District with seasonal street festivals, including BBQ and Bluesfest, Art Fair and Winefest and Fall Festival of the Arts and Crafts. For an exciting excursion, play a game of Where's Waldo throughout the neighborhood. Simply obtain a "passport" at participating stores then discover hidden gems along the way in your scavenger hunt adventure. Make a stop at the Iron Spike Model Train Museum and the Washington Firehouse Museum—two favorites for kids.
3. Locally Owned Eats & Treats
From pizza and froyo to more sophisticated eateries, you’ll find an array of family-friendly, owner-operated establishments to suit any craving. Want to treat your little ones to a super-sized milkshake? Head to Main Street Creamery for intricate concoctions that are topped with donuts, cookies, cupcakes, brownies and even cotton candy.
4. Local Wineries
Did you know that Central-Eastern Missouri is home to more than forty wineries, all within an hour’s drive of Washington? Move over, Napa! These wineries are never as crowded and feature world-class wines and cuisine. All that's left to do is map out your vino trail!
5. Right on the Amtrak
Washington is conveniently located along the Amtrak Missouri River Runner line, a 283-mile route that runs between St. Louis and Kansas City and makes stops in Kirkwood, Jefferson City and more. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can bring your bikes on the train for a car-free adventure your family will never forget.
6. Unique Family-Friendly Lodging
Sure, you may have explored Washington and absorbed its rich history while on foot, but what about spending a night (or two) in one of its historic homes? There are many historical residences and charming B&Bs you can stay in right downtown. Many of them let you rent out an entire floor or the full home so your family has plenty of space to sprawl.
7. Parks and Trails for Outdoor Fun
Washington has plenty of parks to explore on bike, including the Riverfront Park, which features an asphalt trail ideal for young riders (and rollerbladers!). You can also explore Lion’s Lake, where you’ll find an All-Abilities Playground and a lovely walking trail around the lake. Our favorite is Busch Creek Disc Golf Course at Burger Park, which features an 18-hole disc golf course that the whole family can try.
If you want a place to visit that is off the beaten path with plenty of fresh air and history, visit Washington, Missouri and book your vacation today!
Do your hikes involve a stroller or wheelchair? Do you enjoy sweeping scenic views but are less than enthused about pushing a stroller or wheelchair uphill for miles to achieve said views? Check out the following hikes that boast grand views with minimal exertion—let the gorgeous views (and not the climb) take your breath away!
All ecosystems of the park can be viewed on this ADA-compliant trail and the shroud of redwood trees gives way to sweeping views of the peninsula on a clear day. Stop by Robert’s Market on the way in for sandwiches to enjoy at the park’s picnic tables and also check out nearby historic Woodside Store Park which offers a time warp to life 150 years ago.
Jean Lauer Trail, Pillar Point Bluff Get your fill of ocean views and salty seabreeze on this ADA accessible hike on top of the windy bluffs (bring layers!). Park here then stay north on the trail and be on the lookout for wildlife, surfers and more! A wheelchair accessible pit toilet is available at the trailhead. We love stopping by The Press to warm up with breakfast that is served all day.
Length: 1.4 miles Surface: packed dirt Elevation gain: 236 feet, 5% grade Exposure: full
Mary Bowerman Trail, Mount Diablo State Park This short and sweet trail is located near the summit of Mount Diablo and depending on the season, one might spot wildflowers or tarantulas! A crystal clear day yields fabulous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Lassen Peak and the Sierra Nevadas and the more adventurous can continue down the trail past the paved portion to explore cool geological rock formations.
Sawyer Camp Trail, Crystal Springs Regional Trails This highly popular, ADA accessible trail attracts plenty of runners and bikers with its exceptional views of the Phleger Estate along with glittering water views of the reservoir. Several picnic areas and benches can be found along the trail as well as a 600+ year old Jepson Laurel tree, the oldest and largest in California. Check out this map for wheelchair accessible vault restrooms (no sinks) along the trail.
Length: 11.3 miles, shorter options available Surface: paved Elevation: <5% Exposure: some shade
Christine Lai
Bald Mountain Trail, Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve While the majority of trails at Sierra Azul are known to be rugged and challenging, this segment has limited elevation change and offers unobstructed views of Mount Umunhum (and even Mount Tamalpais on a clear day) with the entire Santa Clara valley at your feet. Park at the trailhead, then make your way to the viewpoint where a bench awaits. Pack a lunch on sunny days and layers for windy ones.
Length: 1.3 miles Surface: dirt Elevation: 111 feet, <5% grade Exposure: Full
Alpine Pond Loop, Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve The view on this short loop is of a small pond, nearby Borel Hill and a nature center that is open on summer weekends. A wheelchair accessible viewing platform gives an elevated view for spotting animals and a wheelchair accessible pit toilet can also be found on the edge of the pond.
Length: 0.6 miles Surface: packed dirt and gravel Elevation gain: 39 feet, <4% grade Exposure: limited shade, mostly exposed
Napa River Trail, John F. Kennedy Memorial Park Nearby hills, the Napa river and local marshlands will be your viewpoint for this hike which means the area is also teaming with wildlife. Keep an eye and ear out for wrens, herons and the sweet song of the red-winged blackbirds. Wheelchair accessible restrooms can be found in the middle of the park as well as accessible picnic tables and grills.
Length: 2-4 miles Surface: paved and dirt Elevation: 22 feet, <3% grade Exposure: full
Give the gift of coffee (and Disney) this holiday season. Joffrey’s, the official specialty coffee of Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney Vacation club can be enjoyed in your own home. Now the coffee brand is offering seasonal favorites and gifts.
Disney Gift Sets
Disney Parks & Resorts Coffee Trio ($48.99): Bring the magical tastes home with the Disney Parks & Resorts Walt Disney World Resort Coffee Trio Gift Set. This set includes: Kona Blend, served at Disney’s Polynesian Resort; Flying Fish Café, served at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort; and Victoria & Albert’s, served at the AAA Five Diamond Award restaurant in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Disneyland Resort Coffee Trio ($43.99): A gift set of our most popular coffees enjoyed at Disneyland Resort, including: Steakhouse 55, served at the Disneyland Hotel; Carthay Circle, served at Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure Park; and Napa Rose, served at the Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
2020 Holiday Blend ($14.99): Celebrate this Holiday Season with this exquisite artisanal blend of 100% Specialty Grade Arabica beans from the Sidamo and Yirgacheffe regions in Ethiopia, and beans from Costa Rica. This festive cup delivers fruity notes of lemon, apricot, and blueberry.
Campfire Mug & 2020 Holiday Blend Set (Coming Soon): Celebrate the season with this gift set featuring our 2020 Holiday Blend and limited-edition campfire mug.
—Jennifer Swartvagher
All photos courtesy Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
California Governor Gavin Newsom has just signed legislation ensuring that no student will go without lunch and it’s all thanks to the dedication of one 10-year-old boy.
Governor Newsom was inspired by elementary school student Ryan Kyote who has been working hard to end the issue of school lunch debt and eliminate cheaper “alternative” meals for students in debt. “I want to thank Ryan for his empathy and his courage in bringing awareness to this important issue,” Newsom said in a news release.
When parents can't afford to buy their kids the typical school lunch, students are sometimes denied food or given a different, cheaper alternative.
Lunch shaming is very real and has serious consequences for the well-being of our kids.
Kyote, a student at West Park Elementary School in Napa, California, made headlines last year when he donated $74.80 of his allowance to pay off school lunch debt for some of his classmates. His actions later led to a meeting between him and the Governor, where Newsom made a promise to sign the legislation once a bill was finalized.
“What we’ve been telling everybody is one down and 49 to go,” Ryan’s mom Kylie Kirkpatrick told PEOPLE of her hope that more states would follow suit. “Millions and millions of children will be positively affected by [this policy] and Ryan couldn’t be more proud. We still have a lot of work to do and hopefully will get something passed at the federal level.”
The new law requires that all California students be provided a state reimbursable meal of their choice, regardless of whether their parent or guardian has unpaid meal fees. It also bans the practice of giving students with debt an alternative meal.
What’s better than a Disneyland Princess Breakfast? Starting Mar. 30, visitors to the Napa Rose restaurant at the Grand Californian can get the chance to dine with these Disney divas—and eat a three-course meal!
So what does this all-new dining experience have in store for princess fans? In addition to royal meet-and-greets, guests will be treated to sparkling beverages (and yes, that includes champagne for the grown-ups), storytelling and so much more.
Not only does this experience bring the Disney Princesses to their biggest of little fans, it also showcases the princesses beyond just their looks. According to the Disney Parks Blog, “Princesses will share the moments they felt empowered to be their true selves. Mulan may encourage children to strike a pose to discover their own inner warrior, while Rapunzel may share how she felt when she found the courage to explore the world outside her tower, showing little ones how to spin joyfully and shout, ‘Best day ever!'”
If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland this spring, you’ll want to book your Disney Princess Breakfast Adventure reservations now. Breakfast Adventure hours are Thursday through Monday 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Visit the Disneyland website or call 714-781-DINE for reservations.
They may not be able to partake in the tastings, but that doesn’t mean kids can’t enjoy a trip to Napa. As long as you limit the number of stops (always a good idea when carpooling a load of little ones, obviously) and throw in a few activities just for them, the whole family can enjoy a day or a vacation in wine country. See our favorite places below.
THINGS TO DO
At the base of the valley lies Napa itself, a former drive-by town that in recent years has transformed into a destination in itself. Downtown’s best stops are clustered around a bend in the river, so take a walk along the paths or over the bridges to stretch the legs after the first bit of driving. You may even want to duck into one of downtown’s tasting rooms (we love Bounty Hunter, as well as the bargains at the Oxbow Wine Merchant to get the day started off right.
If you’re going to ask kids to sit in the car and then behave at the wineries while you try a wine or two, they’re going to have to run off some energy first. A stop at the Calistoga Petrified Forest offers trails through a redwood forest that’s hard as a rock. Thanks to a volcano eruption 3.4 million years ago when weird winged creatures roamed the earth, all redwoods you’ll see have been turned to stone.
Another great option is to pile the family onto the luxurious Napa Wine Train and take the driving out of the equation. The three-hour roundtrip journey flies by while you enjoy gourmet lunch or dinner (and local wines for the grownups) in the vintage dining or domed cars. Kids can get fresh air waving out the back of the train at the cars crawling up and down the valley.
If you want to avoid excessive sun or rain, take the kids to Scientopia Discovery Center. This children’s museum and playspace offer all-day admission, so you can drop in both on your way up and down the valley and enjoy the exhibits on bubbles, magnets, scents, wind, and much more. TIP: The vending machine stocks healthy snacks, but it’s more fun to pack your own picnic to enjoy in the snack room.
If the grown-ups have their hearts set on doing some tasting, there are a few wineries up here that cater to kiddos. At Sterling Vineyards, kids enjoy a tram ride with great views at the top. The ultra-romantic Castello di Amorosa resembles a medieval Italian castle and provides grape juice for children to sip on while their parents taste the real deal. And for really fantastic wines in a classic Silverado Trail setting, Robert Sinskey’s pinot noirs, pinot blanc, and more are paired with seasonal delicacies from the kitchen for a truly indulgent experience. TIP: Kids love the koi ponds out in front.
Downtown Napa’s Oxbow Public Market is wine country’s equivalent of San Francisco’s Ferry Building. With artisans and food purveyors like Ritual Coffee Roasters, Hog Island Oyster Company, Fatted Calf, and Kara’s Cupcakes, you can taste your way through Northern California’s best delicacies or pick up some picnic items to take with you for your day.
Also in downtown, Pizzeria Azzurro’s sleek subway-tiled interior compliments the true stars of the restaurant—the wood-fired stove and the perfect pies it turns out.
For the best burgers, be sure to make a stop at Gott’s Roadside (either in St. Helena or Napa). Made with locally sourced foods, there’s an innovative kids’ menu, indoor and outdoor seating, and parents can even grab a glass of vino from the extensive wine list.
At Solage Calistoga, the fun starts at check-in, when you’re led to your parking spot by a valet on a bicycle. Then you’ll be loaned some cruisers to use during your stay, for an easy pedal around the resort, or even into nearby downtown Calistoga. The kids will want to make the geothermally-heated pool home base, and you’ll want to camp out at the spa, but the modern, airy suites have their own allure.
If you’re not down with eating all your meals out with a posse of toddlers, then you may want to stay at the Westin Verasa, located in downtown Napa. The suites at this luxe property feature full kitchens, so you can whip up meals to save money, time, meltdowns—and it’s walking distance from Oxbow, so you’re covered in terms of meat, produce, bread, cheese, and much more. There’s also an outdoor pool and a bocce court in case you haven’t found enough to occupy your days in Napa.
The most anticipated addition to LA’s vibrant art scene in years, The Broad contemporary art museum finally opened its doors to the public on September 20. And boy, is it worth a trip downtown with your budding artistic babes! With so much to explore (over 2,000 works), we’ve got the skinny on what to check out first, as well as exhibition highlights small-pints should not miss.
photo: Jennifer O’Brien
Upon entering the lobby, glorious natural daylight streams in through The Broad’s honeycomb-like exterior structure. Nearby, a gift shop offers a groovy selection of items celebrating the work of Broad collection artists. Your kids will want to make this their first stop, but we suggest swinging by there on your way out. Your absolute first priority when you’re with small fry is to check out Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room–The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away. This must-see installation only accommodates one visitor at a time for 45 seconds each. (However, if you’re bringing kiddos, one parent may accompany each child.) Once inside, visitors are treated to a mirror-lined chamber filled with a mind-blowing LED light display that makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to the Milky Way. It is by far the museum’s most popular stop at the moment, so we highly suggest putting your phone number into the kiosk located outside the exhibit to reserve a space. You will receive a text 10 minutes before you need to come back for your turn.
photo: Jennifer O’Brien
Next, take the escalator to the main exhibition galleries on the third floor. (The steep 105-ft. escalator ride feels as if you’re ascending into a heavenly tunnel and will be a treat in and of itself for tikes.) Once you arrive at the top, be sure to download The Broad’s free mobile app which offers enhanced content about The Broad collection, as well as self-guided audio tours, including a family tour for kids called “Looking with Levar,” which is narrated by award-winning actor LeVar Burton.
photo: Jennifer O’Brien
The third floor galleries feature prominent works from the 1950s through 1990s by some of the most inventive artists of our time, including Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Cy Twombly, Cindy Sherman and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Kids will especially dig the playful artworks of Jeff Koons and the over-sized Robert Therrien piece, Under the Table, that lends a definite “Alice in Wonderland” vibe.
photo: Jennifer O’Brien
Once you’ve finished exploring the third floor, take the cylindrical glass elevator back down to the first level where you’ll find the collection’s most recent artwork, almost all dating from 2000 to present day. These include The Visitors by Ragnar Kjartansso—a 360 degree, nine-screen video projection that surrounds the viewer with images of the artist and his musician pals performing in different rooms of a historic mansion; a good opportunity (ahem, painless way) to expose your kids to performance art. Also on this floor, little ones will love Takashi Murakami’s colorful works including his pieces, ln the Land of the Dead, Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow and DOB in the Strange Forest (Blue DOB).
photo: Jennifer O’Brien
All in all, The Broad is a fairly easy outing with antsy tots in tow, taking only about an hour to an hour and a half to get a good look at pretty much everything. Plus, the size, scale, interactive and toy-like nature of much of the art will have kids re-thinking what art is, and how much fun an art museum can be.
If all this culture has worked up an appetite, the museum’s Otium restaurant, helmed by chef Timothy Hollingsworth (of Napa’s French Laundry fame), is scheduled to open in October on The Broad’s public plaza. In the meantime, since you’ve paid for parking, we recommend you take the short walk over to Grand Central Market, where you can all sample from the amazing offerings and every member of the family can get exactly what they like. Parents won’t want to miss Wexler’s Deli and kids (ok, and parents) adore McConnell’s Ice Cream.
photo: Jennifer O’Brien
About: The museum was founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad and houses the most prominent holdings of postwar and contemporary art worldwide with over 2,000 works of art from the world’s top contemporary masters.
Hours: Open Tues. & Wed. from 11a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs. & Fri. from 11 a.m.-8p.m.; Sat. from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The museum is closed Mon.
Tickets: General admission is always free. Advanced online reservations are encouraged (especially during busy opening months), but are not required. Advanced timed tickets have entry times every half hour.
Parking: Parking is available in The Broad parking garage, which you enter on 2nd St. between Hope St. and Grand Ave. Parking for visitors with validation runs $12 for 3 hours on weekdays, weeknights after 5 p.m. and all day on weekends. Alternative parking is available at the California Plaza garage (entrance off Olive St.) for $8 with validation from The Broad.
Strollers: Single-wide, standard baby strollers are permitted at all times, except on escalators. Double-wide and jogging strollers are not allowed.
The Broad
221 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles 90012
213-232-6200
Online: thebroad.org
What was your family’s favorite part of visiting The Broad? We’d love to know in the comment section below!